Manchester United Transfer News: The Latest on Thiago Alcantara and Wayne Rooney

Manchester United took the 2012-13 Premier League title in runaway fashion, but that hasn't stopped them from being major factors in the offseason as they look to improve their squad.

With incoming manager David Moyes set to take the reins and begin the arduous task of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson, a new age of Red Devils football is upon us. But that hasn't stopped the United brass from being just as aggressive as ever on the market.

Let's take a look at the latest news surrounding Manchester United's offseason moves.

ThiagoAlcantara

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There's been a roller coaster of reports surrounding the future of young Barcelona midfielder ThiagoAlcantara in recent weeks, and the past few days have only proved that.

According to Alan Nixon of Daily Mirror on late Sunday, Manchester United's chances of landing the prized Spaniard received a "double boost" as Alcantara's father, Mazinho, thinks he should join United ahead of Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Nixon's report also says that Thiago's brother, Rafinha, is heading for the Premier League from Barca on loan, which would only intensify Thiago's interest in the EPL champions.

However, the Mirror report directly conflicts with a report from Paul Clennam of Goal.com, who said Mazinho met with Barca representatives on the prospect of an improved contract for his son.

Thiago can be bought out from Barcelona by way of a £17 million release clause in his contract, and Barca's Gerard Pique and Xavi spoke out in support of keeping their 22-year-old midfielder, according to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian.

The release clause is incredibly low for a player with such massive potential, however, and a handful of teams (including United) should have no problem coughing up that sum of cash.

All it comes down to at this point is what Thiago wants to do, and where he wants to play next season.

Wayne Rooney

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English international forward Wayne Rooney has had better days as far as his happiness with United goes, but the frayed relationship seems one step closer to being fixed.

According to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian, Rooney and Moyes are meeting this week to discuss a new contract, and the 27-year-old is keen on remaining in Old Trafford.

Per the report:

Wayne Rooney will tell David Moyes that he wants a fresh start at Manchester United when he holds his first serious discussions with the new manager this week.

Moyes left for his summer break intending to keep the striker at Old Trafford so there is hope on both sides that Rooney's future can be settled and talks can then move on to a fresh deal.

Only two years remain on Rooney's current £300,000-a-week contract and if fresh terms can be agreed they will be on a more incentivised basis, in line with a widespread move in the domestic game.

Rooney was reported by Tony Banks of the Daily Express as ready to leave for Chelsea if Manchester United didn't refute Ferguson's claim that the forward filed a transfer request last season. However, Steve Bates of Daily Mirror stated that the exact refute that Rooney was looking for was granted Sunday.

It's been a messy situation between Rooney and United to say the least since the arrival of Robin van Persie, and the latest positive news surrounding the two sides is far from a guarantee that Rooney will be spending next season in Old Trafford.

But it seems as if both sides are pushing to mend the fractured relationship.